# NTSB ATL85LA219: Hiller UH-12E, N40296, Pickens, SC, July 18, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 18, 1985, 14:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Pickens, SC
- Coordinates: 34.879116, -82.699378 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.8791&lon=-82.6994&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6835
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA219
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6835/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA219

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - complacency, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - engine instruments,fuel quantity gage - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - expectancy, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - complacency, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - terrain condition - downhill

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD COMPLETED APPLICATION OF A HERBICIDE AND WAS RETURNING TO HIS TEMP OPNS AREA 1/2 MI DISTANT WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT ABOUT 50 FT AGL. PLT FLARED THE HELICOPTER ON THE 45 DEG DOWNSLOPE AND TAILBEEM/ROTOR CONTACTED GROUND. THE FUEL GAUGE IND 18 GALS HOWEVER ONLY A PINT COULD BE DRAINED FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE FUEL QTY TEST SYSTEM WAS INOP POST ACCIDENT. PLT DID NOT VISUALLY CK FUEL QTY PRIOR TO FLT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N40296 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: HILLER UH-12E
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 5149
- Airframe hours: 650
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540-CZA 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Bumgarner Gerald H, doing business as Southeastern Helicopter Serv.
- Registered owner: Inland Transtech, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GSP, 38 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850718033129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850718033129A), Jul 18, 1985: Hiller UH12E, Pickens, SC, Substantial damage. Hard landing after power loss due to fuel exhaustion after spray operation. Fuel not visually checked, gauge off.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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